Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #21

    Jan 11, 2010, 05:56 AM

    OK it will crank from the outside is it the ignition switch is there a way to test the ignition switch to see if it is bad before I buy one
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
     
    #22

    Jan 11, 2010, 06:22 AM

    Used a multi-meter to verify power and make certain you have a solid ground.
    Corrosion in the battery cable could cause such a significant voltage drop that there isn't enough left at the starter.
    Study this schematic and follow the voltage on the ignition switch side. That is what controls how and when the starter engages.

    Name:  1a.gif
Views: 310
Size:  17.8 KB
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #23

    Jan 11, 2010, 08:31 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by CaptainRich View Post
    Used a multi-meter to verify power and make certain you have a solid ground.
    Corrosion in the battery cable could cause such a significant voltage drop that there isn't enough left at the starter.
    Study this schematic and follow the voltage on the ignition switch side. That is what controls how and when the starter engages.

    Name:  1a.gif
Views: 310
Size:  17.8 KB
    Can you test the ignition switch and if so how do you do it
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #24

    Jan 11, 2010, 07:53 PM
    Can you test the ignition switch on a 98 pontiac grand am with a 2.4 motor
    Can you test an ignition switch on a 98 pontiac grand am with a 2.4 motor and if so how do you test it
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
     
    #25

    Jan 11, 2010, 08:06 PM

    Remove the switch, checking it over for wear, pitting, or melting.
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #26

    Jan 11, 2010, 08:19 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey View Post
    Remove the switch, checking it over for wear, pitting, or melting.




    If we don't see anything upon our visual inspection what can we do next I really appreciate your help and thank you very much
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
     
    #27

    Jan 11, 2010, 09:14 PM

    If everything else has been ruled out, take your chances and buy a new ignition switch. Buy it from someone who will allow it to be returned, if it doesn't solve the problem.
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #28

    Jan 12, 2010, 10:18 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey View Post
    Remove the switch, checking it over for wear, pitting, or melting.




    What is pitting?
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
     
    #29

    Jan 12, 2010, 10:37 AM

    Like craters on the moon.
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #30

    Jan 12, 2010, 10:52 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey View Post
    Like craters on the moon.


    OK thank you I will let you know how it goes
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
     
    #31

    Jan 12, 2010, 11:33 AM

    You need to start with a fully charged battery.
    Then, with the key in the START position, you should be able to find battery voltage (at least 12 volts but it should be higher) on the yellow wire coming out of the ignition switch. If you don't have at least 10 volts on that wire, replace the ignition switch and retest.
    An alternate test point for this is actually on the purple wire right where it connects to the starter. This locaton is far easier identify but you still have to rule out the safety switch (CPP on manual trans and TR on automatics).
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #32

    Jan 14, 2010, 05:40 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tami slater View Post
    ok thank you i will let you know how it goes




    We replaced the ignition switch and the car will crank from the inside but will not start the motor jumps when you try and start it what could be the problem now could it be the ignition module
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
     
    #33

    Jan 14, 2010, 06:05 PM

    Perform the tests in the link below:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post2123675

    The Ignition Control Module and coil are what I would focus on, if you now have a straight-forward crank but won't start situation. This assumes the engine compression and timing belt are fine.
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #34

    Jan 14, 2010, 07:28 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey View Post
    Perform the tests in the link below:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post2123675

    The Ignition Control Module and coil would be what I would focus on, if you now have a straight-forward crank but won't start situation. This assumes the engine compression and timing belt are fine.


    Where is the ignition coil located and thanks to you I I am learning a lot about my car
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #35

    Jan 14, 2010, 07:31 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tami slater View Post
    where is the ignition coil located and thanks to you i i am learning a lot about my car

    The car has set for like 3 or 4 weeks just though you would like to know that
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
     
    #36

    Jan 14, 2010, 07:35 PM

    Here's what your coil looks like:

    http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...earchText=coil

    Here's what your Ignition Control Module looks like:

    http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...control+module
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
     
    #37

    Jan 14, 2010, 07:42 PM

    Since your car sat so long:

    Try turning the ignition switch to ON, until you hear the fuel pump in the gas tank stop running. Then, turn the ignition switch OFF. Repeat this several times, in order to fully pressurize the fuel rail. On the final time, turn the ignition switch to START and see if the engine starts.

    . Can you hear the fuel pump run?

    . Have you tested for spark?
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #38

    Jan 15, 2010, 07:23 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey View Post
    Since your car sat so long:

    Try turning the ignition switch to ON, until you hear the fuel pump in the gas tank stop running. Then, turn the ignition switch OFF. Repeat this several times, in order to fully pressurize the fuel rail. On the final time, turn the ignition switch to START and see if the engine starts.

    . Can you hear the fuel pump run?

    . Have you tested for spark?



    Yes I can hear the fuel pump run but how do check for spark do I have to replace both coils if there is no spark
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
     
    #39

    Jan 15, 2010, 07:37 AM

    Remove a spark plug wire and attach it to a properly gapped spark plug, touch the plug to a convenient ground, and observe the spark, while someone cranks the engine. If there's no (or weak) spark, replace the ICM and coil.
    tami slater's Avatar
    tami slater Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #40

    Jan 15, 2010, 07:53 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey View Post
    Remove a spark plug wire and attach it to a properly gapped spark plug, touch the plug to a convenient ground, and observe the spark, while someone cranks the engine. If there's no (or weak) spark, replace the ICM and coil.



    How many ignition coils are there on the car? If there is more than one will I have to replace them all

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

2003 Pontiac Grand AM SE1 3.4 v6 won't start [ 1 Answers ]

I have a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM SE1 with the 3.4 v6 that won't start. I have replaced the battery, checked the new battery voltage, checked the alternator voltage, and checked the starter relay voltage and all were within normal limits. Looking around it seems that this is a common problem and is...

2001 pontiac grand am 2.4 liter won't start [ 12 Answers ]

I have a 2001 pontiac grand am 4 2.4 liter. I drove it home tonight (about 60 mile drive) and shut it off. Came back out about an hour later and drove it across town and shut it off again. It sat for about 2-3 hours. When I came back out to return home it would crank but not start. Cheacked...

Pontiac Grand Am turns over but want start. [ 2 Answers ]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand am went to start it. It started then shut off now won't start just turns over and won't fire. All codes checked out good don't know what to do next please help.

2001 pontiac grand am won't start totally dead [ 1 Answers ]

Hello, I have the 2001 pontiac grand am and have continuously had the reset problem and the turn signals don't work all the time. Today, my car would not start at all. There were not lights, nothing. The car was totally dead. My battery is newer. I did have to reset a couple of days ago. Do...


View more questions Search